about
Photo: Sonja Suominen, 2020
I'm Anu Kauhaniemi, a visual artist living and working in Helsinki, Finland, and a mother of two.
I want to realize the images that appear in my mind, reflections of the reality I experience. Painting is a way of expression that I use to process what I see and experience. It is communication with my innermost being and the outside world. First and foremost, I am motivated by the fact that I sometimes manage to reproduce the image I have in my mind. To make visible some part of the idea and feeling that I am pursuing.
The need to be seen also motivates me. I get satisfaction from having my works exhibited and by someone else experiencing something through them. This is when painting becomes communication.
EDUCATION
2000 - 2005 The University of Art & Design (Aalto University), Helsinki
In addition studies in Finnish Academy of Fine Arts (painting)
and Helsinki University of Technology (architecture)
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024 GUK, Lahti
2022 Gallery Katariina, Helsinki
2020 Mältinranta Artcenter, Tampere
2017 Gallery G12, Kuopio
2015 Gallery Seinä, Helsinki
2014 Gallery Kajava, Helsinki
2013 Gallery Katariina, Helsinki
2012 Gallery Pleiku, Berlin
2009 00130Gallery, Helsinki
2009 VarikkoGallery, Seinäjoki
2008 Stoa, Cultural Center, Helsinki
2008 Ahjo, Art Center, Joensuu
2007 Finnish Academy of Fine Arts Gallery, Helsinki
2005 Media Center Lume, Helsinki
2004 Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris
SELECTED GROUP AND JURIED EXHIBITIONS
2023 Skanno X Finnish Painters Union, Helsinki
2022 Art Tube 1, Kadriorg Gallery, Tallinn
2019 Silhouettes And Shadows, Kerava Art Museum
2019 Colleagues, Malmitalo Cultural Centre, Helsinki
2018 Maila Talvio Salon, Hartola
2017 SHIFT Mentoring Group Exhibition,The Finlandia Hall, Helsinki
2016 Christmas Exhibition, Gallery Katariina, Helsinki
2011 Billnäs Young Artists' Competition, Billnäs
2010 Exhibition of the Union of Finnish Art Associations
Järvenpää Art Museum
2009 Helsinki Artists' Association's Biennial '09, Helsinki
2009 "Never to Retire", Vantaa Art Museum
2008 Exhibition of the Union of Finnish Art Associations
Mikkeli Art Museum (Finland)
2007 Gallery Artower, Athens
2006 ”Masters of Arts” Media Center Lume, Helsinki
WORKS IN COLLECTIONS
The Aalto University Art Collection
Tampere Art Museum Collection
The Finnish National Gallery
Kokemäki City Collections
Broad way (Media company), Milan
Private Collections
GRANTS
2021 Arts Promotion Centre Finland
2020 Arts Promotion Centre Finland
2018 Grant for Mobility, Arts Promotion Centre Finland
2018 Residency Unlimited
2012 The Espoo Culture Committee
2009 Young Artist Grant, The Finnish Art Society
2009 Niilo Helander Foundation
RESIDENCIES
2018 Residency Unlimited, Zagreb / Split, Croatia
2010 The Finnish artists' house in Florence
2007 The Finnish Institute in Athens
2004 Cité internationale des Arts, Paris
2002 Villa Karo, the Finnish Cultural Center, Grand-Popo (Benin)
2002 Ewolé 5, the West African Art Workshop, Lomé (Togo)
MEMBERSHIPS
Helsinki Artists Association
Finnish Painters Union